Embracing the Boy Scouts of America's "leave no trace" mantra, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/02/12/las-new-ritz-carlton-jw-marriott-tower-going-for-leed-gold/" target="_blank">Gensler</a> designed and built an incredible <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/09/21/lindal-homes-puts-a-green-twist-on-the-classic-a-frame/" target="_blank">eco-cabin</a> for Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Utilizing sustainable design principles, renewable energy and two <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/01/artist-in-residence-studio-made-from-shipping-containers/" target="_blank">20' shipping containers</a>, the cabin is the first of twenty off-grid cabins set for a redevelopment plan that will transform an 85-year old campground into a year-round outdoor learning center.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

Gensler worked on this project pro bono for the Boy Scouts of America to help replace their existing barracks at the Emerald Bay Campground on Catalina Island.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The structure is composed of two 20' shipping containers bolted together and covered with a translucent vaulted roof.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

Emerald Bay Campground is an 85 year old campground on Catalina Island reserved for the Boy Scouts. The Eco Cabin is the first of twenty new cabins to be built.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The translucent vaulted roof gives the cabin a larger feel and provides natural daylighting, reducing the need for any additional lighting.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The cabin's roof is stretched over aluminum arches and provides a slight overhang at the cabin's two entrances.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

At night LED lights are used to illuminate the interior and the cabin glows through the canvas doors.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

A solar panel located nearby provides all the power needed for the cabin.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

Canvas is used to protect the windows and doors from the elements and can be rolled down at night or during storms.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The deck in front of the cabin was constructed using reclaimed wood from an old dock in Emerald Bay.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The entire structure was built in LA and outfitted with insulation. All the materials were packed inside the containers for shipment to the island.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The cabin is constructed from two 20' containers with their sides cut away and bolted together.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

The cabin is easily assembled and put into place on a simple foundation of six points.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

Cabins are big enough to sleep 12 people on bunk beds and are completely off grid.

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Gensler Eco Cabins

Embracing the Boy Scouts of America's "leave no trace" mantra, Gensler designed and built an incredible eco-cabin for Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Utilizing sustainable design principles, renewable energy and two 20' shipping containers, the cabin is the first of twenty off-grid cabins set for a redevelopment plan that will transform an 85-year old campground into a year-round outdoor learning center.